Focus on Staff With Neil Mills

Neil Mills is a clinical research manager in the University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience. He has been with UC since 2000, working exclusively for the division of bipolar disorders research. Here, Mills shares why he enjoys being part of the UC medical campus and, specifically, the department of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience.
 
How long have you worked in psychiatry at UC?
"I have been with University of Cincinnati for more than 11 years. In September of 2000, I started working for the division of bipolar disorders research. At that time, I was one of three research assistants in the group. Now, we have grown to over 15 research assistants coordinating investigator-initiated studies and clinical trials."
 
What is a typical day for you?
"Most days are a mix of things, but the typical day would include replying to study inquiries, scheduling patient visits, conducting patient follow-up visits, performing blood draws, collecting vitals, communicating with IRBs and attending study update meetings.  Other days might include helping with MRI scans and on-boarding new employees, students, and volunteers.”
 
What do you enjoy about your job?
"I enjoy working with people, both colleagues and patients. Our research group is a nice mix of backgrounds and interests (humors, too). It is very rewarding to help patients in need, many of whom have limited options for care. And our research group provides top-notch care, with access to many world-renowned specialists all in one place."
 
Before you came to UC, what was your background?
"I have a bachelor's of science in biology from Campbellsville (Ky.) University. During the summer of my junior year, I did a research internship at the University of Kentucky. There, I used a brain imaging program similar to one in use at UC. Ultimately, that experience helped me land at UC."
 
Do you have any hobbies?
"I do some drawing, some of which is published, and calligraphy. In the past, I have even done a few murals. I also love to cook."
 
Tell us something people may not know about you.
"I almost decided to study graphic arts, instead of biology."

Focus On highlights faculty, staff, students and researchers at the UC Academic Health Center. To suggest someone to be featured, please email uchealthnews@uc.edu.